2 PMA officers relieved from posts over hazing death

Two officers of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have been relieved from their posts following the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, according to PMA spokesman Major Reynan Afan.

"Yes, the senior tactical officer and the tactical officer of Cadet Fourth Class Dormitorio, na-relieve na po sila," Afan told reporters.

"They are the ground commanders sa company level... sila 'yung na-relieve for us to have a better or impartial investigation po."

Afan refused to identify the relieved PMA officers. He, however, clarified that the two officers were not involved in the hazing incident against Dormitorio.

In a separate statement, the PMA underscored that those who will be found guilty of the act of maltreatment shall be charged with the violation of anti-hazing law.

Police disclosed that Dormitorio had died due to hazing. An autopsy conducted on the PMA cadet showed bruises on different parts of his body that are probably the result of him being punched and kicked several times.

Authorities have said there were already three suspects on the incident while two others were considered as persons of interest.

The PMA, meanwhile, said there were nine cadets who are considered as witnesses on the incident.

'Suspected maltreatment'

At Camp Aguinaldo, military spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said two more cadets have been taken to the hospital due to suspected maltreatment.

Arevalo said based on initial diagnosis, the two were complaining about pain in their abdomen, adding that the suspected perpetrators were already identified and being held at the PMA holding center.

Arevalo said authorities are still investigating if the incident was related to the case of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, who died last week due to hazing.

Meanwhile, the PMA said it is now awaiting the results of various investigations conducted by authorities.

On Monday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct its own probe.

“It is in PMA and everyone’s interest for the truth to be exposed, for all persons responsible to be identified, and for a solid case to be established,” the PMA said.

Dormitorio was found unconscious in his room and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital last September 18. The PMA confirmed days later that he had died of hazing. His body reportedly bore bruises.

Baguio City police are readying charges against three cadets who were identified as suspects. Two of them are 3rd Class cadets, the other one a 1st Class.

Other cadets are under restrictive confinement pending investigation.

Following the incident, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo called on the head of the PMA to resign. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News